Ooredoo Fintech has entered into a strategic partnership with global money transfer giant Western Union, integrating its services directly into the Ooredoo Money app.
The collaboration launches initially in Qatar with plans to expand across other Ooredoo Fintech markets in the region. The move is designed to provide Ooredoo Money customers with a broader range of options for sending and receiving money, enhancing flexibility for users who rely on the platform for remittances.
Expanding financial inclusion
The partnership aligns with Ooredoo Fintech’s broader strategy to drive digital financial inclusion across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. By embedding Western Union’s global network into its app, Ooredoo aims to bridge the gap between digital wallets and global cash or bank transfer networks.
Aziz Fakhroo, chairman of Ooredoo Fintech, commented on the strategic value of the integration: “This partnership reflects our commitment to providing customers with more choice, convenience, and access to essential financial services. By integrating Western Union into the Ooredoo Money app, we are giving users greater freedom in sending and receiving money in Qatar… It’s a key step in delivering the flexible, best-in-class digital financial services our customers deserve.”
A regional rollout plan
While the service is now live for customers in Qatar , both companies have confirmed this is the first phase of a wider regional rollout.
Giovanni Angelini, president, Europe, Middle East, Africa & Asia–Pacific at Western Union, highlighted the shared mission of the two entities: “With Ooredoo Fintech we share the same mission of making the financial services our customers need and deserve more accessible. I am delighted then that today’s announcement will enable Ooredoo customers to connect to their families and loved ones across the world seamlessly… As we launch our partnership in Qatar, one of the Middle East’s main innovation and fintech hubs, I am looking forward to the expansion of the partnership across the region.”
Ooredoo Fintech, a wholly owned subsidiary of Ooredoo Group, was established to build an integrated fintech ecosystem across the MENA region. Western Union’s network spans more than 200 countries and territories, connecting millions of digital wallets and bank accounts globally.
Customers in Qatar can access the new service immediately by downloading the latest version of the Ooredoo Money app.